A model of France's future nuclear-powered carrier France Libre displayed at Euronaval includes uncrewed combat aircraft, Defensa.com correspondent Octavio Díez Cámara reported after seeing the exhibit.
Presented by Naval Group and Chantiers de l’Atlantique, the model shows a flight deck intended for crewed and uncrewed aircraft. The report describes a planned 80,000-tonne displacement, 310-metre length and three electromagnetic catapults, with service entry expected in 2038.
Díez Cámara said the uncrewed aircraft depicted has swept features resembling Dassault's Neuron and is intended to fly alongside crewed aircraft or independently. The report does not identify a final UCAV design or confirmed weapons fit.
Background
Naval Group
Organization
French naval defence company designing and building warships and naval systems.
Description from naval-group.com
France Libre
Aircraft carrier
France Libre is the planned French nuclear-powered aircraft carrier shown in model form at Euronaval.
Description from Defensa.com
